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No-Code Sorcery: I Conjured an App Using Just My Words, and So Can You

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I'd never call myself a coder, even if I've taken a few courses in the past. I know some basic Linux and Python from tinkering with Android custom ROMs in the past, but most of that was just copying and pasting. Rarely ever did I know what the commands I typed to the terminal meant. By now, you really don't have to. Creating an app with basically no skill is now possible -- all you need is an idea and your own words.

CNET

When I first heard about vibe coding, I thought it'd never get past being an aid for people who knew how to do the real thing -- an assist for the already-talented coders, making basic tasks even easier for them. For the most part, that's exactly where we are with vibe coding. But for someone with no experience whatsoever, "basic" might be all you need to create something you otherwise wouldn't be able to.

Generative AI tools can turn anyone into a coder. Just as you can create an image using natural language, vibe coding allows you to create websites, mini apps, tools and more, just by instructing an AI chatbot like Gemini or ChatGPT.

To test this out myself, I tried creating a project using Gemini and Claude, both of which yielded satisfactory results, though one required a few more instructions than the other. Below, I'll cover my experience with vibe coding and why creating a basic app felt like a mighty accomplishment.

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What is vibe coding?

In its most basic form, vibe coding is using AI to create code by using natural language prompts and instructions. That code can be used to create a website, app or function you can use to perform the task you want.

You can typically do basic vibe coding with the chatbot of your choice, but there are more advanced tools for people who know how to work with code and want more control. Google's AI Studio is one option. It comes with a helpful and Googley, "I'm feeling lucky" button that will generate a project to get an idea of what you can do with AI Studio.

Vibe Coding with Gemini

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